Leicester College learner proves there is life after finance

From financial advisor to photographer, a change in lifestyle has brought romance and a new business opportunity for Penny Guest.

Leaving her job of seven years as a financial advisor to pursue an interest in Photography, Penny met her now husband, Miles Marr when she enrolled on the HND course in photography at Leicester College in 2008.  They got married earlier this month and have opened their own photographic company, Studio 68 in High Street, Leicester.  Life could not be better for Penny, who has attracted interest from the local media for her exhibition, ‘Left Behind’, about the everyday lives and fears of families with loved ones serving in war zones.  Not only does she run a successful business, Penny is now studying for a Photography degree at De Montfort University.

Penny said: “Working as a financial advisor was not creative, so when I saw that the market was collapsing, I decided I wanted to do something I found more interesting and enrolled on an evening course in Photography at Leicester College.  As soon as I started the course I threw all of my suits away.

“The evening course led to me taking the Foundation Degree in Photography and Video at the College.  As a result I met Miles and have opened a business with him which is going really well. 

“Taking this course has been imperative, if I hadn’t I wouldn’t be where I am today.  Just being around like-minded people has broadened my mind and horizons.  I could not have done this without the support of my friends and tutors.”